LAS CRUCES — Power shopping isn't the only priority this weekend. Work off some of those holiday treats with a nature hike or a dance.
Or refresh your soul with a concert, a film or an art exhibit.

You could also take a break from more crowded venues. Look for artistic gifts at some Picacho corridor studio events (see today's cover) or observe Small Business Saturday, a growing tradition sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Check out small shops and galleries, locally owned businesses and vendors at regional outdoor markets. Many plan to offer holiday specials.

Here's a sampling of what's happening. For more ideas, check Pulse in every Thursday's Sun-News, or visit online at www.lcsun-news and click on Entertainment, Pulse and Things To Do.

• Historic photographs will be on display from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday through the end of November at The Mesquite Art Gallery, 340 N. Mesquite St. Info: 575-640-3502, mesquiteartgallery.

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• Dance fun: The popular cover band The Liars host their 11th annual Day After Thanksgiving Dance Party with rock, funk, dance, country, boogie and pop at 9 a.m. today at Palacio's, 2600 Avenida de Mesilla, in Mesilla. Cover is $5. Info: 575-525-2910.

• Trains & a movie: "The Man Who Saved Christmas," starring Jason Alexander will be screened at 10 a.m. Saturday at The Las Cruces Railroad Museum, 351 N. Mesilla St. During World War I, American toy companies were encouraged to convert their factories to serve the war effort. A.C. Gilbert refused, insisting that children needed Christmas and toys. This earned him the nickname "The Man Who Saved Christmas." His company made Erector Sets and later built American Flyer model trains. A special exhibit of American Flyer trains will be on display at the Railroad Museum through the end of December. Info: 575-647-4480.

• The Storytellers of Las Cruces will entertain children at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at both COAS bookstores. Pat Gill will be at the downtown location and Sonya Weiner will be at the Solano Drive location.

• Santa Op: Hang with jolly St. Nick at SantaLand 2012 this Saturday Nov. 24 and Dec. 22 at Zenith Park in Cloudcroft. The events, sponsored by the Cloudcroft Light Opera Company, Cloudcroft Kiwanis and the Cloudcroft Chamber of Commerce, both open at 4 p.m. with Santa's arrival slated for 5 p.m. Visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus, enjoy roasted marshmallows, hot dogs and more. Info: 575-682-2733 or 1-866-UPHIGH.

• Tubist Jim Shearer and La Catrina Quartet present a chamber music concert with new works for tuba and strings at The Every Other Tuesday free concert series at 6:30 p.m. at the Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Main St. Info: 575-523-6403.
Three new works commissioned by Shearer include "Quintet No. 1 for Tuba and Strings," by noted jazz guitarist Lester Pack, a faculty member at the University of Arkansas-Monticello, "Cauterizing the Soul," by former NMSU composer Justin Raines, inspired by the poetry of author Dan Skelton, and "Doors," by current NMSU composer-in-residence and Department Chair Lon Chaffin. The concert will also feature the New Mexico premiere of the "Quintet for Tuba and Strings," by Manny Albam.

• Art Month deadlines extended to Nov. 30: ArtForms Artists Association of New Mexico is seeking special event/performance participants (theater productions, literary readings, concerts, etc. ) to participate in For the Love of Art Month 2013. Contact John Northcutt at northcuttjb@comcast.net to apply.

ArtForms members may also sign up for Studio Tours (Feb. 9 and 10 or Feb. 23 and 24), Art Around Town and Special Event opportunities. Deadline for these events is Nov. 30. See www.artformsnm.org for submission and membership forms. If you have questions, e-mail Joanna Bradley at artformsfloa@gmail.com.

S. Derrickson Moore can be reached at (575) 541-5450. Follow her on Twitter @DerricksonMoore.

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